Results tagged “Budget” from Belknap County Republican Committee

New Hampshire Senate Republicans

               News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                                    Contact: Senator Jeb Bradley
July 13, 2010                                                        (603) 271-3073

 


 
Concord, NH – Following Governor Lynch’s directive for department heads to submit a 5% reduced budget for the upcoming budget cycle, Senator Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro) issued the following statement:

“We welcome Governor Lynch’s support of a Republican led initiative, but unfortunately it’s rather late.  If he had only agreed to submitting budgets with a 5% reduction months ago, even years ago, New Hampshire could have avoided the budget crises and the recent $295 million budget deficit.

“I hope the Governor will support my legislation that ensures we make tough spending decisions first, rather than simply spending and deciding how to pay for it later.”

SB 454 can be viewed here

From the Union Leader:

In a recent column Terie Norelli, speaker of the New Hampshire House, did an excellent job of co-opting a philosophy that House Republicans have been espousing for three years -- one of low taxes and decreased spending. The speaker of the House claims she is concerned with "striking a delicate balance between protecting services and taxpayers," and yet she has stood by the last three years as general fund appropriations, i.e. spending, have increased by almost 25 percent under her leadership as the deficit continues to grow.

When she wrote, "we were able to increase aid to communities," was she forgetting about the $50 million in general revenue sharing or the $15 million in rooms and meals revenue sharing that were reduced by Democrats? Did she intentionally overlook the $131 million that Democrats downshifted to the cities and towns -- a move that severely impacted the local property taxpayer?

When Speaker Norelli talks of "working hard to craft a responsible budget," is she intentionally overlooking the more than 40 taxes and fees that Democrats either created or raised to pay for their so-called "responsible budget"? They increased the rooms and meals tax, including a 9 percent tax on campers; they created a new tax on gambling winnings, a new tax on small business and increased vehicle registration fees, among others. Their mantra of "let's increase spending and then create more taxes to pay for it" has to stop.

In the midst of a major recession when families are feeling the pinch in their personal budgets and when most other states reduced their budgets by an average of 2.5 percent, New Hampshire Democrats chose to increase state spending by more than 6 percent. In tossing the word "responsible" around, was Speaker Norelli forgetting the more than $400 million in one-time money they relied upon to balance their budget -- money that quite simply won't be there when we sit down to craft the next budget?

When she mentions the Republicans' "simplistic" offer of across-the-board cuts, what she fails to point out is the fact that House Republicans offered specific reductions in departments that submitted requested budget data and across-the-board cuts in those that refused to cooperate.

In November 2006, the people of this state handed the Democrats control of the State House for the first time in several generations, and in just three years, we find ourselves faced with a half-billion dollar deficit as a result of what they term "a responsible budget." We have witnessed drastic fiscal and policy changes that have placed our state into such a large fiscal hole that we find ourselves on the brink of having to enact an income tax. It should come as no surprise that both Speaker Norelli and Rep. Susan Almy, the chairman of House Ways and Means, recently reintroduced the idea of an income tax into the public forum.

It is clear that whoever is in charge of the budget the next time around will start with over a half billion dollar deficit because of the use of one-time money and the excessive spending by the Democrats. As we move forward, the people of New Hampshire can be assured of only one thing: The Democrats' solutions to the problems facing our state will be "more of the same" and will only serve to create an even larger deficit, destroying what has made our state so special. Hopefully the people of New Hampshire are done being fooled.

Rep. Sherman Packard of Londonderry is the House Republican leader.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ryan Williams
August 5, 2009   
(603) 225-9341


State Court Filings Admit Budget “Uncertainty” Threatens Bond Rating, Lynch And Democrat Leadership Still Won’t Consider “Plan B”


CONCORD – As Governor Lynch, Senate President Larsen (D-Concord) and Speaker Norelli (D-Portsmouth) continue to ignore the JUA budget crisis, the State admitted in court papers filed today that the “uncertainty” created by their refusal to develop a “Plan B’ is threatening New Hampshire’s bond rating. According to a motion for an expedited appeal filed with the State Supreme Court, the chaos created by Governor Lynch’s inaction is causing “bond rating agencies that regularly evaluate the State’s finances,” to lose confidence in New Hampshire.

“Governor Lynch, Senate President Larsen and Speaker Norelli need to take their heads out of the sand and finally admit that the State is facing another fiscal crisis created by their irresponsible budget,” said NHGOP Communications Director Ryan Williams. “Their inaction and failure to provide leadership during this crisis is creating uncertainty that threatens New Hampshire’s bond rating and the State’s long-term fiscal stability.”

The State’s court motion also admits that "the Legislature needs as much time as possible... to consider alternative budget reductions and funding options." Despite calls from the Union Leader (8/3), Concord Monitor (8/3), Nashua Telegraph (8/2) and Foster’s Daily Democrat (8/2) to develop a “Plan B,” Lynch and the Democrat Leadership are currently refusing to address the budget crisis. They are even refusing to acknowledge the Superior Court’s recent ruling that blocked their attempted theft of $110 million in private funds from the JUA.

“We have no crisis,” claimed House Finance Chairperson Marjorie Smith (D-Durham) yesterday in an interview with NHPR’s The Exchange. “There is no talk at all that I am aware of [about a ‘Plan B’] because the people who made the decision that this was a legitimate way to proceed continue to believe that it is a legitimate way to proceed…There is no ‘Plan B.’”

Republican leaders in the House and Senate repeatedly warned Governor Lynch that his attempt to steal private money to balance the state budget was unconstitutional and would likely be overturned by the courts. After the Superior Court initially froze the JUA money on June 29, 2009, Republican senate minority leader Peter Bragdon immediately called on the Governor to veto the budget and work on a new plan that excluded the disputed funds. Lynch ignored Bragdon’s warning and signed the Democrats’ irresponsible budget on June 30 – knowing full well that it would be out of balance on day one. Senate President Larsen has also brushed off calls for a special session to address the crisis, saying that she sees “no immediate need,” for it (Larsen Statement, 7/31).


CLICK HERE FOR STATE’S MOTION FOR AN APPEAL TO THE SUPREME COURT

CLICK HERE FOR AUDIO OF REP SMITH DENYING THE JUA BUDGET CRISIS

By Lloyd Jones
Editor, Conway Daily Sun

Lloyd@conwaydailysun.com

[emphasis by Skip]

CONWAY — Former governor John H. Sununu, the head of the of New Hampshire Republican Committee, calls John Lynch the nicest governor in the history of the state — and the worst.

"He is the worst governor we've ever had because he cannot make a decision," Sununu said at a recent house party hosted by Maryann and Ray Shakir on Birch Hill in North Conway. "He's a great follower. He lets the radical left leadership of his House and Senate move things forward, but he will not give guidance, he will not tell them what he accepts or doesn't accept. He will not draw the line, he will not go back and cut spending, he will not be honest with what he is saying yet he still goes around smiling and yet is continually well-received around the state. We have to replace the governor."

Sununu served as New Hampshire's governor from 1983-89 and was White House Chief of Staff under President George H.W. Bush. When he first took over as head of the New Hampshire Republican Party in January, he said he refrained from labeling Lynch the worst governor in the state's history because "he had such good political capital." However, "By St. Patrick's Day I was doing (former executive councilor) Bernie Streeter's roast where they raise money for charities in Nashua, and the governor and I were both speakers. He came in and made a couple of jokes about me calling him the worst governor in the history of the state. I got up and said, 'Governor, I've got to admit, you're the nicest governor we've ever had, but the fact is nicest and worst are not mutually incompatible.'"

Victoria A. Bonney, communications director for the New Hampshire Democratic Party, offered a response Wednesday, saying, "Mr. Sununu may yearn for his glory days as governor but the reality is our state is better today than it was yesterday. Under Governor Lynch’s leadership we’ve seen significant gains for education, the environment, clean energy, small business and an overall improved quality of life. That’s why Governor Lynch is not only the most popular governor New Hampshire has seen in decades, but the most popular governor in the nation.”

At the house party Friday, July 17, attended by approximately 55 staunch Republicans, Sununu talked about what brought him back into the world of politics as chairman of the N.H. Republican Committee.

"It really is important to understand that this state in particular and certainly the country as well is at a very critical crossroads," he continued. "We've had Democratic governors for 10 of the last 12 years. By the way, I am not running for anything, let's get that clear from the start. I am not going to run for anything. We have had Democratic governors for 10 of the last 12 years. With Lynch, the Democrats will now have it 12 out of the last 14 years. Over that period of time, what has happened to New Hampshire is horrible. It wasn't quite a tsunami but it was a tide so you may not have noticed the individual change, the incremental change. Over a period of time it piles up to make a healthy sandwich of problems for the state of New Hampshire."

Sununu said the rate of growth in New Hampshire has "virtually disappeared" over the last 12 years.

"We're down to about a half of a percent per year over the past few years," he said. "Last year, for the first time in almost 50 years, more people moved out of the state than moved in. Investment has stopped coming to New Hampshire. Jobs have stopped coming to New Hampshire. Our economic structure is deteriorating because we have adopted principles that are anti-job, anti-family, anti-business and anti-growth. We used to be rated in terms of a business environment in the top five, six, seven states. We are now rated in the 40s."

Sununu continued blasting away at Lynch.

"We have had in this last session 38 increases in taxes and fees and new taxes imposed on us," Sununu said. "We have a governor that has no sense that this is not the way to go.  We have a governor who has no capacity to lead or to stand up or to communicate to the legislature what he will or won't accept. Instead he sits there and waits for them to send him whatever they want to send him and 99 percent out of a 100 he signs the garbage they present to him. The Democrats are ruining the state of New Hampshire."

Sununu is attending a number of house parties across the state this summer looking to rally Republicans. He told the enthusiastic audience two weeks ago the political ball is essentially in their court.

"It's up to us to talk to our friends and our neighbors; the people who work for us; the people that we work with; the people that we meet at our post-retirement parties," Sununu said. "It is only by us communicating what has really happened that people will get angry enough to fix what has to fixed in 2010."

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ryan Williams
July 30, 2009   
(603) 225-9341


Embattled Governor Without A Backup Plan As Court Decision To Block JUA Theft Plunges State Into Another Budget Crisis

CONCORD – One day after a Superior Court ruling blocked his attempt to steal $110 million from the New Hampshire Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association (JUA), Governor John Lynch is frantically scrambling to address the state’s latest budget crisis. Despite repeated warnings that the court would rule against the state’s claim, Governor Lynch has failed to develop a contingency plan since the court initially froze the funds in June.

“Its time for Governor Lynch to finally stand up and take responsibility for his failure to produce a balanced and fiscally responsible budget. The Governor was fully aware that his attempted theft of the JUA funds would likely be blocked by the courts - even before he approved this disastrous budget,” said NHGOP Communications Director Ryan Williams. “His irresponsible actions further prove that during these challenging times, John Lynch is incapable of providing responsible and effective leadership for the State of New Hampshire.”

Republican leaders in the House and Senate repeatedly warned Governor Lynch that his attempt to steal private money to balance the state budget was unconstitutional and would likely be overturned by the courts. After the Superior Court initially froze the JUA money on June 29, 2009, Republican senate minority leader Peter Bragdon immediately called on the Governor to veto the budget and work on a new plan that excluded the disputed funds. Lynch ignored his warning and signed his irresponsible budget on June 30 – knowing full well that it would be out of balance on day one.

Lynch has “deflected repeated questions from reporters about contingency plans,” (AP, 6/30) in the event that the court would halt his irresponsible revenue scheme. Despite obvious indications that the state wouldn’t be able to claim the surplus funds, Lynch has “repeatedly declined to detail alternatives and instead emphasized his belief in the rightfulness of the state's claim to the money.” (Concord Monitor, 7/30)

Lynch’s silence has drawn criticism from non-partisan budget watchers including New Hampshire Center for Public Policy Studies executive director Steve Norton, who said that as a result of the court ruling, “Plan B needs to be developed, and to date, we haven't heard any Plan B," from the Governor. (Concord Monitor, 7/30) Since the decision was announced, Lynch has continued to dodge questions about how he plans to address the staggering deficit and has merely pledged to appeal the decision to the State Supreme Court.

“John Lynch’s only solution to this budget crisis is to cross his fingers and hope that it will somehow fix itself. That’s not leadership – that’s a dereliction of his duties as New Hampshire’s chief executive,” said Williams. “During these tough economic times its becoming increasingly obvious that now more than ever New Hampshire needs a new governor.”

Governor Lynch’s crumbling state budget faces additional challenges as even more lawsuits threaten to unravel his irresponsible revenue schemes. Local government leaders are moving forward with a separate lawsuit to stop the Governor from reducing the state’s share of the retirement contribution rate for municipal employees and downshifting costs to local taxpayers. A court has also issued an injunction requested by the New Hampshire Health Care Association that halts Lynch’s attempt to rescind an $8.8 million dollar payment to Granite State nursing homes.

As a result of his failed leadership and fiscal mismanagement, Governor Lynch’s favorability ratings have plummeted in recent months and his disapproval ratings have reached all time highs. Governor Lynch’s problems only look to get worse in the future as he begins to make plans for the FY 2012-2013 budget. This budget will start off with an immediate $500 million deficit due to his irresponsible use of one-time money in the current budget, and will present the Governor with an even worse fiscal crisis than the one he currently faces.

Concord, NH – Today, Senate Minority Leader Peter Bragdon released the following statement regarding the Belknap Superior Court ruling that Governor Lynch's plan to seize $110 million dollars from the private Joint Underwriting Association (JUA) to balance the budget was unconstitutional.

"Senate Republicans applaud the Court's ruling to prevent the unconstitutional raid on private funds.

"Responsible leadership would have held the line on spending, just as New Hampshire families are doing with their own budgets.  Instead Governor Lynch and the Democrat-controlled legislature raised total spending by $1 billion.  If tough but necessary spending cuts were made, there would have been no need to try to steal money from a private organization.

"I once again call on Governor Lynch and the Democratic Leadership to immediately bring the legislature back into session to deal with this $110 million hole in the state budget. Delaying this process through appeals will only exacerbate disastrous fiscal problems facing the State of New Hampshire.”

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ryan Williams
June 29, 2009   
(603) 225-9341


CONCORD – Today, former New Hampshire Governor and Republican State Committee Chairman John H. Sununu released the following statement on the Superior Court’s decision to block Governor Lynch’s attempted raid on the New Hampshire Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association (JUA) Fund:

“It’s not surprising that the court did the right thing and blocked Governor Lynch’s attempted theft of the JUA surplus funds. The court’s decision confirms that the Democrats’ budget is a real disaster for the State of New Hampshire.”

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ON THE COURT’S DECISION TO BLOCK LYNCH’S THEFT OF THE JUA FUNDS

Since Fred Tausch will be speaking at the Winni Republican Breakfast and it is being rumored that he may run for office, I am posting this up.

For Immediate Release                                              Contact: Jeff Grappone
Wednesday, July 1, 2009                                           603-856-5230

ICYMI: “We must push to bring fiscal responsibility to Washington”

By Fred Tausch, New Hampshire Union Leader

“President Obama ran on a message of change, but his policies represent the oldest Washington conceit of all – trusting the wisdom and competence of the government more than the common sense and initiative of the American people.” 

“We must push to bring fiscal responsibility to Washington”

By Fred Tausch, New Hampshire Union Leader
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
 
LIKE MOST Americans, I’ve always believed hard work, self-reliance and integrity are all you need to succeed in America. We don’t believe government owes us a living, just the opportunity to succeed or fail by our own initiative, hard work and talent.
 
We want a government that shares our convictions; that does its work, not ours, and does it competently; that manages its budget as responsibly as we manage our own budgets; a government that doesn’t play favorites or use our money to reward the failures of others; a government that earns our trust by trusting us and leveling with us about the cost and performance of its programs.

All we ever seem to get, though, is a government that increases its own prerogatives and power rather than the liberties and opportunities of the people it serves; a government with little accountability and less transparency; a government that tries to do things it was not intended to do and has no idea how to do. And many of the things it must do, it does not do well.

The Republican Party is the party of fiscal discipline, the party that trusted Americans to make their own decisions about how to use their money to build their dreams.  But, when Republican leaders lost their way, they lost me. I voted for George Bush in 2000 because I believed he would be a careful steward of our prosperity. Instead, he and Republicans in Congress turned a budget surplus into a huge deficit. They cut taxes but didn’t make the spending cuts necessary for the government to live within its means. They spent record sums on a bailout of the financial industry that I knew from the outset would be an expensive failure, without giving us any clear idea what the money could be used for and how it would be paid back.

Barack Obama promised to change that, and I hoped he would. He promised to put government on a budget that didn’t exceed its revenues, to be as careful with our money as we are and to take the best ideas from both parties and offer new solutions to the challenges of our time. But as soon as the applause at his inauguration subsided, he began to break his promises.

In only a few months, he proposed more spending as a percentage of GDP than any President in modern history. He spent $800 billion to stimulate the economy, much of it on pork-barrel projects, and some of which won’t be spent until after the economy recovers. He sent Congress a $3.5 trillion dollar budget, a third of it borrowed from Chinese bankers and other financiers of our skyrocketing debt. He signed a $400 billion appropriations bill that’s a perfect example of the irresponsible Washington spending that has angered Americans for years. He put government bureaucrats in the banking business, the insurance business and now the automobile business.

He decided the federal government should protect business executives from the consequences of their own mistakes and greed, no matter how high the cost to the rest of us. He promises to spend $1 trillion or more on a risky scheme to change the way health care is provided. He searches constantly for new ways to tax us and still falls far short of paying for the immense growth in government he envisions. 

And how does he intend to keep his promise to be a fiscal conservative? He instructed his Cabinet to cut less than one-tenth of one percent from a $3.5 trillion budget and told members of Congress they’ll have to figure out some way to pay for all his massive new spending.

President Obama ran on a message of change, but his policies represent the oldest Washington conceit of all – trusting the wisdom and competence of the government more than the common sense and initiative of the American people. 

I’m more than disappointed. I intend to fight it. I registered as a Republican and committed myself to helping return the party to its ideals of low taxes and fiscal discipline.  I started Steward of Prosperity to identify, motivate and mobilize other fiscal conservatives, Republicans, responsible Democrats and independents disappointed by the Obama administration’s spending excesses. Our goal is to make government heed the common sense of the American people, serve our interests, share our values and keep this country the same land of opportunity for our children that it was for us. I hope other disappointed Obama voters and concerned taxpayers across New Hampshire will join us. 

Click here to see Fred Tausch’s original op-ed in the New Hampshire Union Leader.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ryan Williams
June 30, 2009   
(603) 225-9341


CONCORD – Today, former New Hampshire Governor and Republican State Committee Chairman John H. Sununu released the following statement on a Superior Court judge freezing $110 million that Governor Lynch has tried to steal from the New Hampshire Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association fund:

“Unfortunately what we feared would happen has begun to happen. Republicans in the House and Senate warned Governor Lynch that the $110 million he is trying to steal from the Joint Underwriting Association to balance the state budget would likely be tied up in litigation.

“Yesterday a Superior Court judge ruled that the money has to be frozen until there is a final court decision on the ownership of the assets. This means the state budget closes out the last fiscal year $65 million in deficit and we start out next year’s budget $45 million in deficit. That makes $110 million dollars worth of shortfall.

“And with the inflated revenue estimates this may only be the beginning of even more serious problems for Governor Lynch’s budget.”

 
BACKGROUND:

The Laconia Citizen Reports That A Superior Court Judge Has Frozen $110 Million In Surplus Money From The New Hampshire Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association Fund That Governor Lynch Is Trying To Steal To Pay For Excessive State Spending:

Laconia Citizen: “Judge Kathleen McGuire's action on Monday will keep the state from taking $110 million in surplus in the New Hampshire Medical Malpractice Joint Underwriting Association fund and using it to help balance the newest state budget. Specifically the judge ruled: ‘The funds at issue will not in any way be transferred prior to the final order of the court.’” (6/30)

$65 Million Has Been Used To Balance The 2009 Fiscal Year Budget That Ends TODAY, June 30, 2009:

Union Leader: “The first impact the standoff hits at the end of July, the date the new budget calls for a transfer of $65 million onto state books for the 2009 fiscal year.” (6/28)

$45 Million Has Been Used To Balance The 2010 Fiscal Year Budget:

Union Leader: “Another $45 million is supposed to come out for the 2010 fiscal year.” (6/28)

CONCORD – Today, former New Hampshire Governor and Republican State Committee Chairman John H. Sununu released the following statement on the passage of the Democrats’ disastrous budget:

“Governor Lynch and the radical Democrat leadership of the New Hampshire House and Senate got the budget they wanted today. They worked very hard to exclude the Republicans from the process and ignored every major spending cut the GOP tried to include in the committees, on the floor, and in the committee of conference.

“This is a disastrous budget that will have a devastating impact on New Hampshire families as they struggle to make ends meet during these difficult economic times. But as bad as this budget is for today, it is infinitely worse for New Hampshire’s future and its long-term job outlook and fiscal stability.

“In spite of Governor Lynch’s claim that his budget reduces spending, it doesn’t. It actually increases spending significantly – especially compared to what other states across the country have been doing. It is a shame the Governor couldn’t be honest about that.
                                                                                                                                                                             “In spite of what the Governor and the Legislature have said about this budget being balanced, it isn’t. The revenue projections that bring it into ‘balance’ are as fictitious as the revenue projections the Governor told us were solid and could support the 17.5% increase in spending of his last budget. We saw that the Governor had to eat those words after the November election last year as he tried to salvage that irresponsible budget with executive orders trimming back expenditures.

“But the worst part of this current budget is that it depends on onetime funding that will create an ever-recurring gap between revenues and spending programs. These include the $110 million theft of the medical malpractice fund surplus – which, in fact, may be blocked by a court injunction in the next few months as the medical profession’s lawsuit against this expropriation works its way through the court system. Furthermore, the onetime stimulus money propping up this budget will definitely not be there in the future and the Democrats’ ‘smoke and mirrors’ changes in accounting can only be performed once. All this leaves an approximately $500 million dollar continuing deficit for future New Hampshire budgets.

“This is the Democrats’ budget. This budget is absolute proof that the Democrats are ruining the State of New Hampshire.”

Concord, NH – Today, Senate Minority Leader Peter Bragdon issued the following statement in response to Senate passage of the proposed state budget:

"The big spenders in the legislature have once again saddled New Hampshire taxpayers with hundreds of millions of dollars in new taxes and fees.  While people across New Hampshire are tightening their belts and reducing their spending, state government keeps spending freely.  Total spending for the proposed budget is up more than $ 1 billion, or more than 10%, and spending in the state's general fund, once accounting gimmicks are stripped away, is up $ 200 million, or more than 6.5%.”

Background:

The budget passed by the state Senate includes over $300 million in new taxes, including $62 million for a rooms and meals tax increase, $40 million in new business taxes, $85 million in car registration fees and a 14% income tax on gambling winnings.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ryan Williams
June 23, 2009   
(603) 225-9341

CONCORD – Today, former New Hampshire Governor and Republican State Committee Chairman John H. Sununu released the following statement on the Democrats’ disastrous budget:

“The Democrats keep trying to shift the blame for their state budget disaster to the GOP.  They were able to conceal the Democratic fiscal failure in the past, but this time they can’t hide.  The Democratic spend and tax policies are ruining the State of New Hampshire.

“This New Hampshire budget problem is a reflection of budget irresponsibility in the past.  The 17% increase in Governor Lynch’s last budget created this crisis, and the Democrats avoided any serious work on the budget until the Committee of Conference last week.  Now the governor and legislature have agreed to small budget cuts which really do not make any significant impact on their over-spending.  To cover this irresponsibility, they have increased taxes, raised fees, and devastated the communities of the state by short-changing them on money the state owes to the cities and towns.  And now they are talking about selling State Parks.

“In order to save the fiscal integrity of the state, Republicans urged going back and reducing the nearly 10% increase across the budget to a 2% or 3% increase across the board, saving 7%.  But the Democrats were locked into tax increases that will destroy jobs and our economy.

“Make no mistake about it.  This is Governor Lynch’s and the Democrat Legislature’s fiscal failure.  They came into power and have created a fiscal nightmare.  The only solution is to go back and unwind their irresponsible budget increases.”

The committee of conference on the budget finally finished their work at 1:00 a.m. this morning.  The staff is working on the Republican Report, which will include talking points on the highlights of this budget.  The report itself  will be in the mail this afternoon, but we will also send it via email today as well.

Additionally, Reps. Kurk, Major and Scamman will be looking at the final budget over the weekend for the purpose of giving a report at our Budget Forum on Tuesday at 9 am.
In the meant time, here are few of the highlights of the budget:
 

• The Rooms & Meals Tax has been raised to 9%
• For the second biennium in a row, this Democrat majority legislature has decided to bond school building aid.
• Fees for all boats have been doubled.
• Limited Liability Corporations (LLCs) are going to be taking a big hit in this budget by being subject to the interest & dividends tax, regardless of whether they have transferable shares.
• The conference committee reinserted the 10% tax on gambling winnings.
• Republicans on the conference committee offered several spending reductions over the week of negotiations, some of which were adopted and some not, including: cutting the cancer plan, cutting USNH budget, reducing HHS incentive funds, reducing judicial branch, reducing state share of municipal retirement contributions, ordering additional layoffs or cuts to personnel related costs, reduce family resource center, cutting the CCSNH budget by $1.5M a year and several others.
• The retirement system remains on the verge of bankruptcy, this time by having new state employees contribute more to their share of retirement, while teachers and group II members do not.
• They increased the tobacco tax by an additional 45 cents, the fourth increase in five years!
• They increased the registration fee $30 for most automobiles, on top of a $6 increase in the previous budget.

I hope you can make it on Tuesday. We will also be having a caucus on Wednesday morning at 8:45.
 
Thanks for your hard work.
 
Sincerely,
 
- Sherm

The committee of conference on the budget finally finished up it's business for the day at about 11PM last night.  While everything is still on the table until the final document is voted on, here is an update of what they acted upon last evening:
 

1. The conferees said "NO" to allowing expanded gambling in New Hampshire
2. They rejected a plan to implement a Capital Gains tax.
3. The voted "NO" on the Estate Tax.
4. They tentatively decided to bond $87M worth of school building aid.
5. They raised the cost for out-of-staters to get a 4-year concealed pistol permit from $20 to $100.
6. The voted no on putting a hold on the reduction of the Insurance Premium Tax.

 
Earlier in the day, the conferees also:

1. Voted to increase the cigarette tax by $.45 to $1.78 per pack.
2. They voted to double the cost of boat registrations
3. Compromised on the plan to reduce the budgets on the Status of  Women.  They cut the commission's budget in half for 2010 and gave it a grant of $1 in 2011.
4. They voted to allow LCHIP about 75% of the $4.5M the fee is expected to raise over the biennium.

The governor appeared briefly before the committee and told them that projected revenue figures for 2010 are LESS that the figures of 2004 and 10% less than 2008.   Rumors circulated throughout the evening that he would propose a 9% Entertainment Tax, but that never transpired.  But it is still "in the wind," along with a proposal to boost the Rooms and Meals Tax to 9%.
 
Once again, we will have the committee of conference staffed today and will keep you up to date as to what is happening.  As those of you who have been around for a number of years know, this is an extremely fluid situation.  Things that may have been voted down yesterday can suddenly re-appear again.  Once they figure out what kind of "hole" they have created with their spending, they are going to have to look for a  large revenue source somewhere or agree to considerable cuts in spending.  As of yesterday afternoon, though, they had actually raised spending by $3.7M over what the Senate had already spent!
 
Once gambling was defeated last night, Sen. D'Allesandro responded by blocking any effort to bring forward the estate tax and a capital gains tax by claiming that, "we should not be increasing tax during a recession!" (must be his Republican roots).  It is pretty clear that  Sen. D'Allesandro will not let go of the gambling issue without a fight.  Today should be interesting.
 
Stay tuned.  We will hold an informational forum on the final product next Tuesday at 9 AM in  Rooms 305-307 of the LOB.  I hope to see you all there.
 
Thanks
 
Sherm

We have been closely watching the Committee of Conference on HB1 and HB2 for the past couple of days and can tell you that the progress has been extremely slow, as you would expect.   This purpose of this email is to bring you up to date as much as possible as to where we currently stand---as of Wednesday afternoon.
 
HB 1, at this point, while mostly completed, still has a few major issues still to resolve.  Unfortunately, much of the Senate position has carried the day today, with additional increases having been added for Health and Human Services and the  Commission on the Status of women and men.  LCHP monies have been restored--fully in the first year with only half their dollars transferred to the General  Fund in FY11.
 
As you may have heard from yesterday's committee of conference session, the biggest blow was suffered by NH drivers who will witness a doubling in their fees.  As of this point in the discussions in HB2, the House has agreed to the Senate's tobacco tax rate.  As of 4PM this afternoon, in between the many recesses that the conferees have taken, we are waiting for the more controversial proposals in the budget--namely gambling, the re-finance tax, capital gains, the BET credit deferral and who knows what else to appear.  They still must answer the biggest question of all, "Where is all the money going to come from?"
 
Of course, the situation is extremely fluid. We will have members of our staff and leadership in attendance throughout the evening and will keep you posted.
 
Sherm

  New Hampshire House and Senate Republicans

                    News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                        Contact: Senator Peter Bragdon

June16, 2009                                                                                    (603) 271 - 2675

                                                                                                             House Rep. Sherm Packard

                                                                                                             (603) 271-2675

Concord, NH - Today, House Minority Leader Sherm Packard (R- Londonderry) and Senate Minority Leader Peter Bragdon (R-Milford) released the following statement on Governor Lynch's proposal to tax mortgage refinances.

"Taxing families and businesses looking to lower their monthly mortgage payments is a slap in the face to those trying to make it through these difficult economic times.  Instead of taxing people who are trying to hold the line with their own expenses, Governor Lynch and the big spenders in the House and Senate should learn from these families and businesses by holding the line on government spending,” said Senate Minority Leader Peter Bragdon.

He continued, "While New Hampshire citizens and businesses are cutting back their expenses, the Concord big spenders are proposing a 7% increase in spending.  This 'Do as I say, not as I do' attitude has got to stop."

“Governor Lynch has proposed a new and devastating tax proposal for New Hampshire,” said House Republican Leader Sherm Packard (Londonderry). “At a time when most budgets around the country have seen a reduction in spending, this governor and his spending-into-oblivion party are looking under every rock and behind every door to raise money, and now they want to tax people who need the money most; our homeowners who have worked and saved hard.  I once again call on Governor Lynch to examine specific reductions offered by Republicans in the proposed budget to get our financial house back in order.”

Background:

The current general fund budget for FY 08/09, as adjusted by actions of the governor and the legislature, is $3.107 billion.  The proposed general fund budget for FY 10/11, including the Liquor Commission (which was in the 08/09 budget, but was moved off budget for 10/11) is $3.327 billion, a 7.1% increase.

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ryan Williams
June12, 2009   
(603) 225-9341

CONCORD – Today, former New Hampshire Governor and Republican State Committee Chairman John H. Sununu released the following statement on the budget process:

“As the budget process enters its final weeks, Governor Lynch and the liberal Democrat House and Senate Leadership keep focusing on the wrong choices for New Hampshire. They are trying to pose a false choice between job-killing new taxes and gambling. The real focus should be on cutting spending.

“The National Governors Association recently reported that governors across the country on average, have reduced general fund spending by 2.5% this year on top of a 2.2% reduction in their 2009 budgets. That’s a total cut of spending of nearly 5 % on average in states across America. There is no reason why New Hampshire cannot be as fiscally responsible for our citizens.

“When Governor Lynch says he ‘does not support across the board spending cuts’ he is using a weak and lazy excuse to avoid making the tough but necessary budget decisions. Families and businesses throughout New Hampshire have had to make across the board cuts to deal with these tough economic times.

“The only hope we have is that the last time Governor Lynch said he didn’t support something – same sex marriage – lo and behold we got same-sex marriage. New Hampshire should get so lucky on spending cuts.”

BACKGROUND:

Governor Lynch Has Refused To Make Across The Board Budget Cuts During These Tough Economic Times:

• Associated Press: “Lynch said he does not support an across-the-board spending cut as a solution. He called that option ‘simplistic and poor financial management.’” (6/11/09)

But The Non-Partisan National Governor’s Association Reports That Governors Across The Country Are On Average Cutting General Fund Spending By 2.5%:

• National Governors Association: “In fiscal 2009, state general fund expenditures declined 2.2 percent—the first decline in actual state general fund spending since 1983. Likewise, governors' recommended budgets for fiscal 2010 represent a 2.5 percent decrease in general fund expenditures, which would mark the first time actual state spending declined two years in a row.” (6/4/09)

Governor Lynch Has Approved Irresponsible Budgets That Have Increased General Fund Spending By 5% And 17.5%:

• Union Leader: “The first budget under Lynch raised state general fund spending by 5 percent. The second one raised it by a whopping 17.5 percent…” (6/10/09)

The Current Budget Proposal Increases General Fund Spending By About 7%:

• Union Leader:  “…and next year's increase looks to be in the neighborhood of 7 percent.” (6/10/09)

New Hampshire Senate Republicans

               News Release

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE                  Contact: Senator Peter Bragdon

                       June 3, 2009                                                                          (603) 271 - 2675



Concord, NH – Over $250 million in new taxes will by paid by New Hampshire citizens, following today’s vote in the state senate.  The vote was on HB 1 and HB 2, the proposed state budget, which increased general fund spending by 8.8%.

“The big-spending Democrats are passing hundreds of millions of dollars onto New Hampshire taxpayers.  Rather than increase spending 8.8%, Senate Democrats should hold the line on spending and thus hold the line on taxes,” said Senate Minority Leader Peter Bragdon (R-Milford).

Republicans made several attempts to remove new taxes on businesses and individuals, but these efforts were rejected.  The Republican proposals included eliminating $80 million in new business taxes, $40 million in taxes on the tourist and hospitality industry, $50 million in local property tax increases caused by the loss of revenue sharing and $75 million in new tobacco taxes.

“The only solution Democrats offer is higher spending of nearly $1.2 billion and unfortunately supported by higher taxes.  This is exactly the wrong time to tax New Hampshire citizens and discourage our businesses from creating jobs,” said Senator Jeb Bradley (R-Wolfeboro).

“Higher spending and increased taxes in a recessed economy are part of the Democrats’ liberal agenda, showing they are out touch with New Hampshire voters.  If Governor Lynch signs this budget as passed today, our budget will look like Massachusetts’s in the next biennium,” said Senator Sharon Carson (R-Londonderry).

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ryan Williams
June 1, 2009   
(603) 225-9341


CONCORD – Today, former New Hampshire Governor and Republican State Committee Chairman John H. Sununu released the following statement on Governor Lynch’s disastrous real estate tax proposal:

“Governor Lynch’s plan to make homeowners and businesses who refinance their mortgages pay a huge real estate transfer tax is another example of how out of touch he is with what is happening in New Hampshire. Even President Obama has encouraged homeowners to take advantage of lower mortgage rates to refinance their payments and ease their burden during these very tough financial times.

“Governor Lynch however seems to feel that overburdened mortgage payers should help bailout his disastrous budget. This latest tax gambit by the Governor, when added to his other desperate tax increases, underscores the fact that when the state needs a real governor, there really is no governor to be found.

“ ‘Nice’ works when there are no problems, but today in difficult times New Hampshire could really use some leadership.”

BACKGROUND:

Governor Lynch Is Proposing A Disastrous Real Estate Tax Plan:

Union Leader: “If you're thinking of refinancing your mortgage, you might want to act fast. Gov. John Lynch is looking at a proposal that would tax refinancings the same way we now tax real-estate transfers.” (5/31/09)

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION ABOUT GOVERNOR LYNCH’S DISASTEROUS PROPOSAL

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT: Ryan Williams
May 29, 2009   
(603) 225-9341


CONCORD – Today, former New Hampshire Governor and Republican State Committee Chairman John H. Sununu released the following statement on the Democrat Senate budget:

“Once again the Democrats have demonstrated their willingness to give lip service to the tax pledge and then find ways to break it in practice. The Senate Democrats have added to the budget a piece of tax legislation which would devastate the New Hampshire business community and destroy the state’s business climate. The suspension of the Business Enterprise Tax (BET) credit will chase businesses out of the state and significantly hurt those that stay.

“Governor Lynch has merely expressed ‘concerns’ about this tax. As usual, he seems unwilling to take a firm stand and clearly state that he will veto any budget that imposes this $40 million tax hike on local businesses. He needs to make it clear that this is a bad tax for New Hampshire.”

“House and Senate Republicans this morning called for Gov. John Lynch to veto the same-sex marriage bills so lawmakers may move on to the critical issues facing the state.”


Republicans to Lynch: Veto gay marriage bill, focus on budget
Union Leader
By Garry Rayno
May 21, 2009

CONCORD – House and Senate Republicans this morning called for Gov. John Lynch to veto the same-sex marriage bills so lawmakers may move on to the critical issues facing the state.

Republicans also called for a non-binding referendum on the same-sex marriage to go before voters in the 2010 election. New Hampshire forbids binding voter referendums.

“Now is the time to allow the citizens of New Hampshire to vote on a same-sex marriage referendum,” said Sen. Minority Leader Peter Bragdon, R-Milford.

Former House Speaker and current House assistant minority leader Gene Chandler, R-Bartlett, said the proposed budget is half a billion dollars out of balance and there is only six weeks to resolve it before the new fiscal year begins.

“However you feel about same-sex marriage it is time to move on and deal with the budget of the State of New Hampshire,” Chandler said this morning at a news conference.


CLICK HERE FOR FULL STORY

-Senator Judd Gregg On The New Hampshire Democrat Leadership’s Abysmal Record

Live Free - Or Become Massachusetts Jr.
The Wall Street Journal
Brian M. Carney
May 19, 2009

On his way out of the Senate, Judd Gregg's outlook is mostly downbeat. He sees an Obama administration determined to grow the government beyond all historical bounds and a Republican Party without the votes to stand in the way.

But in one respect, the senior Senator from New Hampshire was remarkably upbeat: He believes the GOP is poised to come surging back in 2010 -- at least in his native New Hampshire. "This election," he said during a visit to the Journal offices recently, "will settle the future of New Hampshire -- whether we stay the refugee camp for entrepreneurs in New England, or whether we become New Hampshirechusetts."

He acknowledges it may be too soon to say whether his state's voters have fully grasped what the Democratic-controlled legislature is up to. "The legislature is moving dramatically in the direction of Massachusetts. I mean, basically anything that gets passed in Massachusetts, the Democratic legislature introduces the next week and tries to pass in New Hampshire." But he likes the GOP's chances. "We have a lot of talented people in the Republican Party right now," he says.
……

Mr. Gregg says New Hampshire Democrats "have performed so poorly in the area of fiscal responsibility, in the area of pushing a very, very liberal social agenda that I think [voters] are beginning to realize that they made a mistake. And they didn't let those folks in because they thought the policies at the state level were incorrect. They were just voting straight tickets against Bush and the Iraq policy."

With that "overhang" gone, Mr. Gregg smells a comeback.

Concord—In response to a state budget proposal from House Democrats that would cost the taxpayers of New Hampshire $133 million in additional property taxes, House Republicans today offered their alternative budget at a press conference held in Concord.

“Two years ago we warned that the Democrats were overspending and relying on over- inflated revenue estimates but they chose to ignore us,” said House Republican Leader Sherm Packard (r-Londonderry) “This time around we believe that it is necessary and appropriate to offer an alternative budget that better serves the citizens of this state,” he added.

Republican members on House Finance, led by Policy Leader Neal Kurk (r-Weare) and Committee Whip Doug Scamman (r-Stratham), worked to develop an alternative proposal that balances the state budget without creating any new taxes or raising any of the existing taxes.  This is in contrast to a Democrat budget that proposes a capital gains income tax and an inheritance tax while ignoring the full legislative process of committee and floor votes.  Their budget proposal also increases taxes on gambling winnings, doubles the gas tax, increases the rooms and meals tax by nearly ten percent and, for the fourth time in five years, raises the cigarette tax.

“We are living in a recession,” added Rep. Neal Kurk, “and in a time of recession it is bad public policy to raise taxes.  Finance Republicans realize that and will present a balanced budget that asks the state to live within its means with a modest 2.6% budget cut over the biennium, the same kind of sacrifices we are making at home.  Why should the state not do the same?  The fact is, the Democrat budget will cost every man, woman and child in this state $300 and in this economy, it’s just too much.”

Unlike the Democrat-proposed budget, Republicans also restore $83 million in school construction aid and fully funds the state’s responsibility of state revenue sharing with local municipalities.

“We believe that we have come up with a budget that not only funds essential state services, but does so within existing state revenues,” concluded Rep. Packard. “It is clear that House Democrats are leading us down the road toward a sales or income tax with their tax and spend approach to state government.”


For further information
contact the House  Republican Office
271-3665

-Senator Judd Gregg On President Obama’s Reckless Budget

A Budget To Beggar Us
The Washington Post
Senator Judd Gregg
April 1, 2009

When speaking with the hardworking New Hampshire families and business owners whom I represent in Washington, I hear the same concerns echoed by Americans across the country. People are worried about keeping their jobs, their homes and their savings safe. They ask, "When will the economy recover? What kind of economic future will our children have?"

These questions are not easy to answer. Yet I believe that over the next couple of years, the country will recover from this severe recession. We are an inherently resilient nation.

Our longer-term future is harder to predict, though, especially since the Democratic Congress is on the cusp of adopting President Obama's budget blueprint. This is a defining budget. It shows very clearly where the president and the Democratic majority want to take our country: sharply to the left.

There is no doubt that the president came into office facing significant economic challenges. To stabilize the economy, he has been forced to take aggressive steps, some of which may have been necessary to avert a systemic financial collapse.

But don't be fooled when the president says the economy he inherited is the reason that future deficits and debt skyrocket.

CONCORD -- Former New Hampshire Governor and Republican State Committee Chairman John H. Sununu released the following statement on Governor John Lynch’s budget proposal:
 
“It is always difficult to comment on a complex budget without having time to examine all the details. However, some aspects of Governor Lynch's budget are readily apparent, and can be addressed after a first review.
 
The Governor is to be commended for applying fiscal discipline to the spending side of the budget. He made some of the hard decisions required at this time.
 
However, there are serious issues on the revenue side, even beyond concern over his increases in taxes, tolls and fees. Tapping the long standing malpractice fund for $110 million over three years is very questionable, as is covering school building aid by $83 million of bonds. Serious problems are created for future budgets by counting on a one-time federal bailout program to make up for short changing the cities and towns of $167 million due to them from rooms and meals taxes and direct aid. And the additional $230 million in one-time federal stimulus money also included on the state revenue side is a serious concern for future budgets. These one-time patches on the revenue side completely undermine the integrity of the fiscal system of the State of New Hampshire.
 
But of course the Governor's biggest problem will come when his budget works its way through the legislature. Historically the House and Senate Democrats have spent more than the Governor has proposed. The critical question for this budget will be whether Governor Lynch will be willing and able to get the Democratic legislature to send him back a responsible fiscal package.”

Date:              February 12, 2009
Contact:         Ryan Williams, Communications Director, New Hampshire Republican Party
                     603-225-9341 office

CONCORD -- Today, former New Hampshire Governor and Republican State Committee Chairman John H. Sununu released the following statement on Governor John Lynch’s budget proposal:

“It is always difficult to comment on a complex budget without having time to examine all the details. However, some aspects of Governor Lynch's budget are readily apparent, and can be addressed after a first review.

The Governor is to be commended for applying fiscal discipline to the spending side of the budget. He made some of the hard decisions required at this time.

However, there are serious issues on the revenue side, even beyond concern over his increases in taxes, tolls and fees. Tapping the long standing malpractice fund for $110 million over three years is very questionable, as is covering school building aid by $83 million of bonds. Serious problems are created for future budgets by counting on a one-time federal bailout program to make up for short changing the cities and towns of $167 million due to them from rooms and meals taxes and direct aid. And the additional $230 million in one-time federal stimulus money also included on the state revenue side is a serious concern for future budgets. These one-time patches on the revenue side completely undermine the integrity of the fiscal system of the State of New Hampshire.

But of course the Governor's biggest problem will come when his budget works its way through the legislature. Historically the House and Senate Democrats have spent more than the Governor has proposed. The critical question for this budget will be whether Governor Lynch will be willing and able to get the Democratic legislature to send him back a responsible fiscal package.”

Michael Hamilton
Executive Director
New Hampshire Republican Party
10 Water Street, Concord, NH  03301
603-296-5116 (c)
603-225-9341 (o)
mike@nhgop.org

As the Memorial Day recess rapidly approaches, Senate Democrats last night scrapped the version of the supplemental war funding bill they initially brought up on Tuesday. Democrats have been trying to find a way to “load up” the bill with more than $28 billion in extra spending over the next two years, according to the AP.  Fortunately, one of the provisions that fell by the wayside was work permits for immigrant farm laborers, but the bill, as Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell said yesterday, is still filled “with a raft of unrelated domestic spending projects and policy proposals.”

In an editorial today, National Review Online lays out the problems with the supplemental bill that Democrats have crafted, but as NRO writes, the bottom line is, “We should be able to fund our troops in the field without paying billions of dollars in ransom to Congress’s pet projects.”

The issue of the spending itself aside, Democrats’ insistence on larding up the bill with “veto bait” is only serving to delay passage of the funds our troops need. The Pentagon has indicated it must have the funding approved by the middle of June, otherwise “the Defense Department will be unable to make payroll for our uniformed Army,” as Sen. McConnell pointed out. NRO was clear about what the hold-up means: “[T]hanks to Senator Reid’s lacksidasical management, even this flawed piece of legislation will probably not be sent to the president until after Memorial Day — meaning that we’ll be honoring our veterans while leaving our active-duty troops in the lurch.”

While Democrats struggle to figure out what to do with the supplemental bill, conferees agreed to a conference report on the fiscal 2009 budget resolution, which the House is scheduled to consider today. Unfortunately, there is little improvement in the budget since it was last seen. According to the AP, “The House-Senate compromise, more than a month overdue, contains a host of shaky assumptions - and forecasts that many of President Bush's signature tax cuts will expire on schedule at the end of 2010.”

Sen. Judd Gregg, ranking Republican on the Senate Budget Committee said yesterday, “This is a partisan budget crafted behind closed doors -- a budget that’s bad for taxpayers and bad for the economy. It includes the largest tax increase in history, blows through the $1 trillion mark in annual discretionary spending, and once again completely punts the urgent issue of entitlement spending reform.” Sen. McConnell added this morning, “American families can’t afford this budget. American job creators can’t afford this budget. And our economy can’t afford this budget.”

Published in the Citizen was this letter attempting to pat Governor Lynch for a "fine job done":  Lynch's Hard Work

Editor, The Citizen: What a welcome State of the State speech given by Governor Lynch this past week. I was especially impressed to hear how Governor Lynch is dealing with revenue shortfalls and the State's budget.

It is now very clear to all of us that the failed national economy is having a direct impact on states and unfortunately, New Hampshire is not immune. It's important to realize however that the Granite State is in a much stronger position than many others states to emerge from the current economic downturn in good fiscal shape. Since Governor Lynch took office three years ago, we have built up our Rainy Day Fund from $17 million to $89 million and we have a surplus from last year of $33 million. In addition, taking into consideration the changes in the national and state economies, John Lynch is working hard to re-evaluate the budget and make sure we end the biennium with a balanced budget.

Great leaders are defined by how they handle the hard challenges thrust upon them, and in his dealings with the current economic situation and budget, Governor Lynch has shown real leadership. Thank you, Governor Lynch, for your hard work, steady focus and dedication to the people of New Hampshire.

Joyce Davis, Chair
Wolfeboro Democratic Committee

Enough of this pap and nonsense - it passes as truth only if not challenged: No Time For Kudos

Editor, The Citizen:

I read with mild amusement as Joyce Davis, Wolfeboro Democratic Chairman (Citizen, 1/31) tried to promote Governor Lynch's lame financial handling of the impending fiscal blowup of the State's budgetary finances as being "impressed". What she failed to mention is that while the slowing economy is playing a role in this mess, the greater responsibility is owned by the majority Democratic legislators, led by Gov. Lynch, that deliberately created this fiasco. By instituting overreaching revenue projections (ignoring the objections of the more experienced Republican legislators in this regard) coupled with a 17.5% legislated rise in expenditures equal to $475 million, we are now looking at a looming $50 million deficit (which may well end up at $150 - $200 million). Lynch's efforts are to be rated as "hard work"? This rates "kudos" for fixing what he caused in the first place by signing off on a misguided budget? Nay, that is failing to do proper homework. In the end, all NH taxpayers will pay for this "F" in financial restraint by the Democrats.

This is not the case where bravos are called for - instead, try apologies to the NH taxpayers that will pay for the Democratic (the majority in the House and Senate) ability to spend the State into debt. Mark my words, this Democratic Chair is spinning the issue just as fast as the bikes during Motorcycle Week and they will use their own failing as the basis for bringing in a broad based (think income) tax. After all, think about it - Democrats cutting spending to where it should have been in the first place? Governor Lynch taking a hard stance on a tough issue? Oh please, he can't even take a non-waffling stance on speed limits on the Lake - another issue where individual freedom is being lost one slice at a time under the guise of "for the common good". Or is that 'the collective"...

Skip Murphy
Gilford Republican Town Chair

Each time a Letter that espouses a Democratic slant is made public is an opportunity for we Republicans to shout out the truth.  We have the opportunity to really show what we believe in.  We need to take those opportunities and  DO something with it and not just shake our collective heads and let someone else do the work.....

We have the real philosophy, the only one, that has shown itself to work over time.  We cannot persuade the untaught, however, unless we do the teaching.  As opposed to ceding that opportunity to the Democrats.